Many different species of snakes are present in the USA. Many Texas garter snakes are in Texas, USA. It is sometimes impossible to calculate the exact number of species out there because Texas Granter snakes have similar patterns. Some common Texas species are identified based on their physical characteristics.
The behavioral characteristics of the Texas garter snakes help identify them from other species of snakes. They are non-aggressive towards humans.
In addition to their features, they are commonly found in the garden and feed themselves on garden pests such as grasshoppers, frogs, worms, and rats. Texas garter snakes are not harmful. Moreover, they do not have venom like other species of snakes. Here are some common types of garter snakes.
Five Types of Texas Garter Snakes:
Here are some common types of Texas garter snakes:
1. Thamnophis Sirtalis (Common Garter Snake):
The Thamnophis sirtalis snake is the most common type of Texas garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis range between 18 to 26 inches in length. The color snakes are a mixture of green, black, or brown with a yellow stripe on the back. A check pattern is present on the body.
These snakes are very much adaptable to new surroundings. Thamnophis Sirtalis snakes can easily find in parks and gardens. They live near freshwater sources such as lakes, ponds, etc.
2. Thamnophis Proxemics Parietals (Red-sided Garter Snake):
The standard type of Texas garter snake is Thamnophis Proxemics parietals. The common characteristic to identify them is their color ranging from dark green to black. They have three yellow stripes, one down the back and one on each side of the snake’s body. They are the subspecies of the common garter snake.
This specie has a typical habitat in wetlands, fields, and forests. They prey on earthworms, leeches, and frogs. They are widely found in northern Texas and near the frost line.
3. Thamnophis Proximus (Western Ribbon Snake):
Another common type of Texas garter snake is the Thamnophis Proxemics western ribbon snake. The main characteristic of identifying these snakes is the length ranging from 17 to 50 inches.
They have blackish, brown, and green color strips on the body. Most of these snakes have a dark-colored top head.
This snake is commonly present near water sources such as streams, lakes, ponds, or on a dry rock or dry land near the water. They are fast, which helps them in catching their prey like frogs. They attack their prey with their mouth shut.
4. Thamnophis Radix (Plains Garter Snake):
Another common type of Texas garter snake is Thamnophis radix. Some common characteristics to identify these snakes are that they have an average height of 36 inches in length. They have grey-green skin color with orange stripes on their body. These snakes may be present in the northernmost parts of Texas.
These snakes are adaptive and can easily find near the human population, such as near fresh water. This type of snake is mostly near trash or vacant places in cities.
5. Thamnophis Synopsis (Black-necked Garter Snake):
Thamnophis is another kind of Texas garter snake. There are two types of Thamnophis synopsis snake.
One type is a Western, black-necked garter snake with olive skin and orange stripes on its body. It ranges near 42 inches in length. Another is the Eastern, black-necked garter snake, which goes nearly 20 inches in length.
The two types are mainly near pine-oak woodland, grassland, and desert. The Western, black-necked garter snake lives near a water source, and the Eastern, black-necked garter snake lives near dry land such as deserts. They prey on frogs, toads, and tadpoles.
Conclusion:
With the help of their characteristics, one can identify these five different types of garter snakes. These five different types of Texas garter snakes are primarily present in the north of Texas. They can be determined and distinguished based on their color, height, and other physical characteristics. Moreover, they are not dangerous and poisonous.
